Director, Comms Strategy

Havas Media Network; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Meaningful Fund

Job summary

Havas Media Network North America is seeking a Director of Marketing and Communications to shape and execute external communications strategy. Reporting to the Managing Partner, you will oversee budget management, social activations, awards and case studies, and reputation reporting, collaborating across teams to drive impact.

You will lead a team in a fast-paced, innovative environment, building strong media relationships and ensuring cohesive messaging across all channels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in marketing and communications with focus on strategic planning and execution.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing communication strategies in fast-paced environments.
• Extensive history of external press/media relationships and ability to cultivate new ones for the agency.
• Strong leadership skills to inspire cross-functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with keen attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute external communication strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Manage media relations, press releases, speakership placements, and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee budget allocation and resource planning for marketing and communications activities.
• Drive social media strategy and activations to boost brand visibility and engagement.
• Lead award submissions and case studies showcasing agency achievements.
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends to assess reputation and opportunities for improvement.
• Provide leadership to the marketing and communications team, fostering creativity and accountability.

Skills

Strategic planning

External press/media relations

Leadership

Communication skills

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

At the Havas Media Network, North America, we lead the way in media planning, using Converged, our proprietary data platform, to integrate consumer insights, media intelligence, and performance analytics for smarter, high-impact campaigns, all powered by AI.

Our culture is people-first, collaborative, and driven by innovation. Through our unique Havas "Village" model, we seamlessly connect media, creative, and PR to deliver integrated, meaningful media experiences.

Role Overview:

As the Director of Marketing and Communications at Havas Media North America, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing our external communication strategies. Reporting directly to the Managing Partner, Marketing, you will oversee a diverse range of responsibilities, including operational elements such as budget management, social activations, awards and case studies, and reputation reporting. This role requires a strategic mindset, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Communication Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies aligned with Havas Media's objectives and values.
• External Communication: Manage all aspects of external communication, including media relations, press releases, speakership placement/coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
• Operational Management: Oversee budget allocation and resource planning for marketing and communication activities, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Social Activations: Drive social media strategy and activations to enhance brand visibility and engagement across relevant platforms.
• Awards and Case Studies: Identify opportunities for industry recognition and lead the development of award submissions and case studies showcasing Havas Media's achievements.
• Reputation Reporting: Monitor and analyse media coverage and industry trends to assess Havas Media's reputation and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Team Leadership: Provide leadership and guidance to the marketing and communications team, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in marketing and communications, with a focus on strategic planning and execution.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful communication strategies in a fast‑paced environment.
• An extensive history of external press/media relationships, and the ability to foster and develop new ones on behalf of the agency
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Proficiency in budget management and resource allocation.
• Experience in the media or advertising industry is a plus.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package + Meaningful Fund
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment with a focus on innovation and creativity.

About Havas Media Group North America

We are part of Havas, one of the world's largest communications groups with nearly 23,000 people working across media, creative, production and technology. Havas Media Network creates personalised and seamlessly‑connected customer journeys through future‑forward capabilities in activation (Havas Play), commerce & performance (Havas Market) and data & tech (CSA). Our agencies are home to more than 10,000 media specialists across +140 countries, with 73 Villages that bring together talented people across all disciplines to work side‑by‑side to serve our clients. Clients include Auchan, BBC, Canal+, Carglass, Credit Agricole, Decathlon, Dolce & Gabbana, EDF, Emirates, Fidelity Investments, Claro, Hyundai, JDE Peet's, Kia, Leroy Merlin, Lidl, LVMH, PNC Bank, Puma, Reckitt, Red Bull, Shell, Telefonica and YUM Brands among many others. For more information, visit the website or follow Havas Media Network on LinkedIn @Havas Media Network or Instagram @havas_media_network.

Offers related to employment at Havas will come from an Havasmedia.com email address. We will never ask for payment as part of the interview or onboarding process.